Tag: environment
Residents concerned about Dominion’s substation project
About 100 residents of the Bren Mar Park area came to an “open house” with Dominion Energy representatives April 9 to learn about the utility company’s plans for a new substation and transmission line to serve a data center planned for the Plaza 500 site. None of the dozen or so maps of the project … Continued
Discounts offered on solar energy
With all eyes on the solar eclipse later today (figuratively, not literally, we hope), it’s a good time to think about making the most of the sun’s energy. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Solarize Virginia, a program that vets solar panel installation companies that provides discounts to homeowners. It’s offered by the Local Energy Alliance … Continued
Enjoy the eclipse without hurting your eyes
Tomorrow’s the big day. The sky will darken Monday afternoon, as the moon passes between the sun and Earth creating a partial solar eclipse over Northern Virginia. The eclipse will begin in our area around 2:04 p.m. and end around 4:32 p.m. The maximum eclipse will occur around 3:20 p.m. The path of the total … Continued
Tree rescue event set for March 10
Community members are invited to gather in Sleepy Hollow Park on Sunday, March 10, 12-2 p.m., to learn how to rescue trees being strangled by invasive vines. Sleepy Hollow Park is located on Sleepy Hollow Road across from the Congressional School. Parking is available on side streets. The event is organized by Sam Butler, the … Continued
New coalition focuses on invasive plants
A group of homeowner and community associations has come together to focus on removing invasive plants and supporting the planting of native species. The Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance (FIRA), established on on Jan. 19, is sending letters to the Board of Supervisors and state legislators urging action to address the problem of invasive, non-native plant … Continued
Learn how climate change is affecting gardening
Hands On Harvests, the nonprofit organization that operates the new garden in the Eileen Garnett Civic Space on Columbia Pike in Annandale, is hosting three online gardening education programs. The first webinar, on Feb. 13, 7 p.m., is on gardening in a changing climate. Sara Via, a professor and climate extension specialist at the University … Continued
Supervisors to vote on huge data center
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold a hearing on Jan. 23 on a huge data center in Chantilly that could have a negative impact on the county’s drinking water. An affiliate of Penzance is seeking a rezoning and special exception to build a 110-foot-tall data center in a resource protection area. … Continued
County planners recommend more robust reviews of data centers
Fairfax County planning staff issued a report on data centers that recommends additional requirements to address the potential negative impacts on the environment and nearby residential communities. Last May, the Board of Supervisors directed to staff conduct research and present recommendations on how proposals for data centers should be considered with regard to zoning, siting, … Continued
FCPS will get more electric school buses
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Fairfax County Public Schools $16.59 million to purchase 42 electric school buses. The EPA’s first Clean School Bus Program grant competition is aimed at accelerating the transition to low and zero-emission vehicles. “These awards will improve air quality for children and their families and advance environmental justice, all … Continued
Friends group formed for Tripps Run
A new friends group has been launched to engage the community in restoring Tripps Run, a stream that runs through Mason District and the City of Falls Church. Tripps Run starts on Shreve Road in Falls Church, crosses Route 29, goes through Jefferson Village Park, crosses Arlington Boulevard by Bill Page Honda, crosses Sleepy Hollow … Continued
Lake Accotink task force presents its findings to the BoS
The Task Force on the Future of Lake Accotink has found that retaining the lake at a smaller size is a viable option compared to carrying out a full dredge or letting it revert to wetlands. The task force is presenting an executive summary of its report to the Board of Supervisors today. The board … Continued
HOAs and nonprofits can apply for energy conservation grants
Homeowner associations and nonprofit organizations interested in making their properties more energy efficient can apply for grants from Fairfax County’s Energy Conservation Assistance Program. Reimbursable grants of up to $15,000 can be used for energy audits, solar panels, cool roofs, weatherization, occupancy sensors, smart thermostats, LED lightbulbs, HVAC upgrades, window replacements, energy-efficient appliances, and related … Continued
County backs off plan to eliminate vacuum leaf service next year
Mason District residents concerned about Fairfax County’s plan to eliminate vacuum leaf service are getting a temporary reprieve. An Oct. 16 email from Mason Supervisor Penny Gross says the director of the Public Works and Environmental Services Department is “withdrawing the staff proposal to end county vacuum leaf service next winter.” “The withdrawal will provide … Continued
Students invited to join the Youth Conservation Leadership Institute
Students in grades 9-12 are invited to apply for the Youth Conservation Leadership Institute, a program of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The institute focuses on volunteer service, environmental stewardship, and leadership. It runs from October to June. Participating students will develop and implement a project of their choosing with assistance … Continued
Huge data center could threaten water supply
Why should Mason District residents be concerned about a massive data center proposed for Chantilly? Because it has the potential for damaging water and air quality throughout the county. Penzance, a D.C.-based developer, is proposing a 402,000-square-foot, 100-foot tall data center off Route 50 in a resource protection area adjacent to the Cub Run Stream … Continued